HUNDREDS of sheltered housing properties in Bromsgrove could be sold off in a radical rethink of the Right to Buy scheme.

Many Bromsgrove District Council tenants can purchase their homes, but until now the authority has restricted the sale of properties to the town's elderly and disabled residents.

However, at the council's executive cabinet committee meeting tonight (Wednesday), councillors will consider making 107 flats and 303 bungalows available for sale to current tenants.

Housing chiefs says that these are dwellings which do not form an integral part of a sheltered housing scheme with communal areas.

A report for committee members says there is currently a strong demand by tenants for purchase of their homes.

"Sales recently have been about 85 per year," says the report.

"There are several factors influencing these sales. Many tenants want their own home, to be able to decorate it to their own style and taste. Mortgages are very cheap at the moment or conversely savings are a poor investment compared with property and the discounts on houses and flats offer a good buy, especially for tenants who have rented for several years."

The council's portfolio holder for housing, Cllr Angela Hadley (Con, Stoney Hill) said a proviso would be put in place to ensure property purchased could only be sold onto to people who match the population mix in sheltered housing neighbourhoods.

Tenants' Representative for Bromsgrove group chairman Dennis Stewart said: "We support the idea, but a proviso must be in place to ensure homes remain in the hands of older members of the community or are sold back to the council.

"I also think restrictions are needed to prevent new owners extending the properties."